Malawi Couple Pardoned by President

It was a lovely and welcome surprise this morning to learn that President Mutharika pardoned Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga. This pardon came only because you as activists stood in solidarity with Steven and Tiwonge and demanded their rights to equality under the law. We joined the voice of the international community demanding these individuals not be persecuted because of their love.

But we are asking you not to rest on your laurels. There is still much work to be done. Acts of homophobia occur globally. Amnesty USA is taking action this June during Pride month to call attention to acts of discrimination, hindering progress towards equal rights for all.

Malawi will remain a featured case for this campaign. President Mutharika bowed to international pressure. Many governments condemned the arrest, prosecution and harsh sentencing of this couple. The United States government issued a strong statement, South African President Zuma roundly denounced their treatment, governments threatened to withdraw aid, and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon met with President Mutharika right before the announcement of the pardon.

In his pardoning statement, President Mutharika clearly showed no acceptance, understanding or appreciation of gay rights.

“These boys committed a crime against our culture, our religion and our laws … I have done this on humanitarian grounds but this does not mean that I support this.”

It is clear that discrimination and persecution will continue in Malawi and so we call for the repeal of the law allowing the arrest and imprisonment of gay people, a law that contravenes Malawi’s constitution and international treaties. Look for this action to be live when we launch our Pride campaign June 4th.

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About Sarah Hager

Sarah Hager is a volunteer leader at Amnesty International USA, serving as Chair of the Southern Africa Co-Group where she guides the efforts of Country Specialists monitoring human rights in twelve countries.View all postsRSS Feed@soafricaaiusa on Twitter

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10 thoughts on “Malawi Couple Pardoned by President”

I would love to help. I think they need a safe place to land. I would like to lobby my government here in Canada to give them sanctuary. I would love any advice or help anyone has to offer. The Malawian President is going to be here in Toronto for the G20 and is going to be lauded for being one of the countries in Africa where things are progressing. This could be a huge story and these gentlemen deserve all the love that we can give them. SANCTUARY NOW!

I would love to help. I think they need a safe place to land. I would like to lobby my government here in Canada to give them sanctuary. I would love any advice or help anyone has to offer. The Malawian President is going to be here in Toronto for the G20 and is going to be lauded for being one of the countries in Africa where things are progressing. This could be a huge story and these gentlemen deserve all the love that we can give them. SANCTUARY NOW!

It so sickening that two males who have willfully decided to VIOLATE NATURE should be pardoned. They can receive pardon now but they will definitely not be pardoned in the life hereafter should they refused to change their their ILLEGAL behavior. These two gentlemen and all their accomplices will suffer eternal damnation.

It so sickening that two males who have willfully decided to VIOLATE NATURE should be pardoned. They can receive pardon now but they will definitely not be pardoned in the life hereafter should they refused to change their their ILLEGAL behavior. These two gentlemen and all their accomplices will suffer eternal damnation.

Akwasy, please stop interferring in other people's life, and live your one in the way you consider right.
Who are you to know that they will have damnation?
Why can't you just think in YOUR way of living?

Akwasy, please stop interferring in other people’s life, and live your one in the way you consider right.
Who are you to know that they will have damnation?
Why can’t you just think in YOUR way of living?